Aug 22, 2007

Black Swan Fireside, Hearth and Home: Big New Home for Black SwanBy Audrey GrassoZWire.com

Newtown – Tom and Carrie Swan began their Black Swan chimney sweep business out of their home in Sandy Hook 29 years ago.

They soon became very busy and soon opened a small woodstove shop with accessories in Sandy Hook Center.

Why the name Black Swan?

It is not because of the name of the owners. Tom explained that in colonial days settlers usually dropped a white goose down the chimney. The dirtier the bird when it landed (from creosote), the cleaner the chimney – thus, a black swan.

In 1988 the couple moved the business to 182 South Main Street. The store was only 1,600 square feet and the couple not only offered stoves and accessories, but expanded with a gift area, which soon became crammed.

“We grew out of the first store fast and we knew we needed a larger one,” Tom said.

The Swans already had a mail order business for the store, which did well according to Tom, but a store in which to display a large selection of gifts would be an asset to the business.

The couple have considered having a new, large building for about 18 years.

“I came up with a basic design and my wife and son tweaked it, Tom said.

Although it took about two years to get through the permitting process, the store, designed by Tom with assistance from his family, is now open: Black Swan Fireside, Hearth and Home at 182 South Main Street.

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